Theo Walcott

Former clubs: Southampton, Arsenal, Everton

A Saint from the start

Theo Walcott began his football journey with Saints at the age of 11 and didn't take long to make his mark at the club.

In the 2004/05 season, the winger was part of the side that were defeated 3-2 on aggregate the FA Youth Cup Final against Ipswich Town, starring alongside other notable youth players such as Leon Best, Adam Lallana and Nathan Dyer. 

He then became the youngest player to appear for the then Saints reserve team, aged 15 years and 175 days, beating the record previously held by Andrew Surman by just 21 days. 

Next it was time to make his mark on the first team as he became the youngest-ever player to take to the field for Southampton in a competitive fixture, aged just 16 years and 143 days when introduced against Wolves in 2005.

Following that up by becoming the club’s youngest-ever goal scorer a month later, his electric pace and attacking prowess led to him becoming one of the hottest prospects in world football, attracting subsequent interest.

Move to the Gunners

Lighting up the Championship with Saints, his January 2006 move to Arsenal confirmed Walcott’s legacy as a shining beacon of the club’s prestigious Academy, earning comparison at The Emirates to Thierry Henry for his attacking style.

In September 2010, Walcott made his mark on the International scene by becoming England's youngest ever player to score a hat-trick in a 4-1 win against Croatia. The winger has since increased his England tally to eight with his last appearance coming in 2016.

Marking his 12-year stay as a Gunner with two FA Cup and two Community Shield winners’ medals, he bolstered his statistics with 108 goals in all competitions.

Becoming a household name in the top tier, his versatility by being able to play anywhere across the front three saw him often entrusted by Arsène Wenger, with Lionel Messi in 2010 referring to Walcott as “one of the most dangerous players” he has ever faced.

Joining the Toffees

Ending his stay in North London with 397 appearances in total, Walcott moved to Merseyside in January 2018 at a time when he was also linked with a move back to Southampton.

Making a dream start to life at Everton, he assisted Oumar Niasse on his debut before netting a brace in the following 2-0 win over Leicester.

With injuries disturbing his early form, Walcott has gone on to make 85 appearances for the Toffees.

The Saints homecoming

On 5 October 2020, Walcott rejoined the Saints on a season long loan coming back to the club where it all began 14 years after he first left for Arsenal.

Having left Hampshire as a teenager, Walcott now returns as an experienced professional boasting 347 Premier League appearances and no fewer than 47 England caps.